The Old
Market (Phsar Chas)
and surrounding area including the nearby Pub Street, Pub Street
alleys and the Night Markets are
'must sees' when visiting Siem Reap. Very popular, the whole Old
Market area stretching from the river across to the night markets on
Sivutha Blvd is now the dining, shopping and nightlife center of
town.

Of the various traditional Cambodian markets in Siem Reap, the Old
Market offers the deepest selection of souvenirs and curios. There
are souvenir vendors throughout much the market, especially on the
river side. The north side of the market along Street 9 sports a
number of inexpensive cafe stalls serving Cambodian fare in an
interesting, local atmosphere. A good place for a budget meal and a
taste of Cambodian cuisine.

Pub Street

After the sun goes down, the focus
shifts to
'Pub Street'and
Pub Street alleys. Named for the
numerous pubs that line Street 8. It all began in 1998 when Angkor
What? Bar opened its doors - the lone pub on an otherwise lonely
street. These days Pub Street is packed end to end with restaurants,
pubs and shops, making the area the tourist center of town. The
narrow connecting
alleys and passages just off Pub Street have also filled with small
businesses, where the quiet lanes offer a much more relaxed
ambiance.

Things really gets going on Pub Street
around 5:00PM as people return from the temples. The curbside seating
fills, the bars crank up the music and the street is blocked to
motor traffic. Most of the drinking venues stay open until at least
midnight and couple running until near dawn.

The Alleys

Pub Streetís narrow connecting
alleys and passages offer a relaxed, pedestrians-only alternative to
the main street.
Alley West is the quaintest of
the Pub Street alleys with an artsy, Old World atmosphere and
harboring a collection of unique little haunts. The emphasis is
firmly on shopping boutiques, each with its own unique style -
clothing, fashions, accessories, handicrafts, art, souvenirs and
more. And there are a few little bars and cafes in the mix as well.